The Clintonville boys varsity soccer team participated in the 24th Annual Wildcat Kickoff Tournament in Gresham on Aug. 28.
Varsity squads from Pacelli, in Stevens Point, Antigo, Clintonville and Gresham played in the round-robin format.
Clintonville began the days matches by dropping their first match 1-0 to Pacelli. The Truckers had some excellent scoring chances by forward Dominic Masiarchin and mid-fielder Austin Paisar, but came up short; and the first half ended 0-0.
The second half was a total reversal of scoring opportunities, with Pacelli keeping the ball in the Clintonville end most of the second period. With less than one minute left in the contest, Pacelli found the corner of the Trucker goal; and went on to win 1-0. The Truckers next met the Red Robins of Antigo; and started the game with a lot more energy than their first game. Forward Steven Davies put the Truckers ahead at the nine minute mark of the first half with a nifty break-away; and the Truckers carried their 1-0 lead in to the half-time break.
Clintonville kept their foot on the gas in the second half, getting goals from Paisar and Masiarchin, who was assisted by Blake Persha. The 3-0 win seemed to get the team’s engine revved up; and host Gresham got a look at the Truckers when they were hitting on all cylinders. Juan Hernandez took a crossing pass from Stephen Davies and beat the Gresham Keeper to give Clintonville a 1-0 lead. Minutes later, Blake Persha’s pass found Hernandez wide open, and the score was quickly 2-0. Davies finished the first half scoring with a beautiful left-footed blast, and Clintonville led 3-0 at half.
The second half was a replay of the first period, with Hernandez picking up his third goal of the contest. Austin Paisar scored his second goal of the day on a crossing pass from midfield Nick Jaecks. The Trucks capped their scoring binge with defender Ehrich George moving to the forward position and scoring his first goal in three years. Undefeated Pacelli was the tournament winner, with Clintonville finishing second.
“Our lack of energy in the first contest was clearly evident. It’s too bad that our guys couldn’t get themselves ready to play at a level I expect,” said Coach Roger Lupien. “The other two games were a lot more representative of the 2010 Trucker Soccer team.”